A motion of no confidence is to be brought against UUP Councillor Jim Rodgers by Alliance after concerns were raised over his behaviour in relation to his role as Chair of Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, the main decision-making Committee on the Council.
Alliance Councillor Michael Long said the concerns related to Councillor Rodgers’ actions in calling special meetings and making negative comments about Council staff in the media during appearances over the July holidays.
“While appearing on BBC’s Nolan Show last month, Councillor Rodgers made a series of negative comments about Council staff in relation to their actions with respect to controversial bonfires in East Belfast over the 11th July. That is not acceptable, particularly given the sheer hypocrisy shown by Councillor Rodgers when he praised the same staff during internal council meetings,” said Councillor Long.
“In addition, we were concerned about the behaviour of the Chair in relation to the calling of special meetings in the early part of July. Such delays made it increasingly difficult to get decisions around controversial issues taken.
“The feedback I have received from both staff and Councillors has been one of great disappointment in Councillor Rodgers, especially given the huge efforts staff members made during the period. I therefore have decided to seek a vote of no confidence in the Chair. If it passes, he should consider his position. At the very least, Councillor Rodgers should publicly apologise to Council staff for his hypocritical, disparaging remarks.”